Nissan Murano 2025: Stunning Design, VC-Turbo Engine, and Price Revealed!

Get ready to see Nissan redefine one of its icons! After years on the market, the third-generation Nissan Murano has made way for an all-new 2025 model. This isn’t just a facelift; it’s a revolution that promises to shake up the midsize two-row SUV segment.

The Japanese automaker has gone all in on a radical redesign, a new heart under the hood, and an impressive load of technology. But do all these changes make it the ideal SUV for you? Let’s dive into the details to find out.

What’s New in the 2025 Nissan Murano? (Complete Redesign)

The first thing that catches the eye on the 2025 Murano is, without a doubt, its look. Nissan embraced the “Energetic Elegance” design philosophy, and the result is an SUV that appears sculpted by the wind, yet muscular in all the right places. It’s wider, with a more commanding stance, and the iconic V-Motion grille has evolved into a bolder, more integrated shape.

The ultra-thin headlights, nicknamed “Crystal Cube,” put on a show up front, while the rear features an LED light bar spanning the full width of the vehicle—a modern and sophisticated touch. Details like the hidden rear wiper and exhaust show extra attention to the flow of lines. I confess that when I saw the first images, I felt Nissan had finally given the Murano the visual identity it deserved in this new automotive era.

New Engine and Transmission: Goodbye V6 and CVT?

Yes, it’s official. The respected 3.5-liter V6 engine and CVT transmission that powered previous Murano generations have been replaced by an all-new powertrain. For 2025, the Murano adopts a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) inline-four engine.

This engine delivers 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft (approximately 352 Nm) of torque. While the power is slightly lower than the old V6’s 260 hp, the 20 lb-ft torque gain is notable and promises more vigorous responses at low and mid RPMs, which is great for daily driving. It’s an interesting trend in the market, where even models like the Toyota RAV4 are exploring new powertrain approaches. Nissan’s VC-Turbo is an ingenious technology that adjusts compression to optimize performance or efficiency as needed.

Good news for those who weren’t fans of the CVT: it’s been replaced by a 9-speed automatic transmission, which even includes paddle shifters for those wanting more manual control. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard on all trims in Canada and optional or standard (depending on the trim) in the U.S.

As for fuel economy, EPA estimates indicate around 21 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, resulting in 23 MPG combined (about 9.8 km/l). That’s a competitive number for the segment, although some expected a bigger jump in efficiency from the smaller engine. Compared to electrified SUVs like the Lynk & Co 08 PHEV, the Murano shows there’s still space for combustion technology—but the absence of a hybrid option could be a drawback for some.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Safety: Is the Murano Getting Smarter?

With the exterior and engine changed, the interior has been transformed. The 2025 Murano’s cabin now boasts a more premium feel, with abundant soft-touch materials. The technological highlight is the pair of 12.3-inch screens: one for the configurable digital instrument cluster and another for the infotainment system, now integrated with Google Built-in (Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store).

Connectivity is key, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus wireless phone charging. But Nissan went further with safety and driver assistance. The Nissan Safety Shield® 360 package is standard across all trims, including emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot alert, and lane keeping assist.

The semi-autonomous ProPILOT Assist system is also present, with an enhanced version (1.1) available in higher trims. The tech cherry on top is the Enhanced 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor in HD and the intriguing “Invisible Hood View,” creating a virtual view through the hood—very useful for maneuvering or uneven terrain. This tech race is seen in other luxury SUVs, like the new 2026 Infiniti QX60, showing that the Murano aims to compete at that level.

Technology Highlights:

• Two 12.3-inch Screens (Instrument Cluster & Infotainment)
• Google Built-in (Assistant, Maps, Play Store)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• Nissan Safety Shield® 360 (Complete Safety Package)
• ProPILOT Assist (Driver Assistance)
• Enhanced HD 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor
• “Invisible Hood View” (Virtual Hood Perspective)
• Active Noise Cancellation
• Touch-Sensitive Climate Controls

Space, Comfort, and Practicality: Does the Murano Still Deliver?

Comfort has always been a strong point for the Murano, and Nissan seems to have raised the bar in 2025. The acclaimed NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats, designed to minimize fatigue, are now available not only for front passengers but also for rear passengers on some trims. Top trims offer front seats with heating, ventilation, and even massage functions—a true treat for long trips.

The vehicle’s increased width and slimmer front seat design create more legroom for rear passengers. Acoustic insulation has been enhanced with Active Noise Cancellation and insulated front glass. For cargo space, the Murano offers 32.9 cu ft (about 931 liters) behind the second row, expanding up to 64 cu ft (about 1,812 liters) with the seats folded—a competitive figure for the segment. SUVs undergoing major changes, like the future 2027 Jeep Renegade concept, are also looking to optimize interior space.

One potential disappointment is the towing capacity, which remains limited to 1,500 lbs (approximately 680 kg). While sufficient for small trailers or bikes, it’s far below competitors offering more robust V6 engines or built for heavier tasks. It’s something to consider if you plan to tow substantial loads.

Trims and Pricing (North America Focus): How Much Does the New Murano Cost?

It’s important to highlight that at the time of release, detailed information and availability of the 2025 Nissan Murano are confirmed primarily for the North American market (United States and Canada). Searches in other regions like Brazil, Europe (France, Germany), Asia (China, Japan, India), and the Middle East haven’t revealed official announcements for the 2025 model. In fact, the Murano has already been discontinued in India and Australia.

In the U.S. and Canada, the 2025 Murano will be offered in three main trims: SV, SL, and Platinum. Starting prices (MSRP) reflect the status of a fully redesigned model with added technology and refinement, positioning it toward the upper end of the midsize two-row SUV segment. The U.S. Dollar (USD) conversion is the primary reference here, based on the information released.

Trim Details (Estimated Starting Prices in the U.S. – MSRP in USD):

• SV: Starting at approx. USD 40,470
• SL: Starting at approx. USD 45,000
• Platinum: Starting at approx. USD 48,000

*Note: Prices in Canada start at CAD 46,848 for the SV (approx. USD 34,200, using a reference exchange rate of 1 CAD = 0.73 USD in May 2025), reflecting market differences and standard equipment (such as AWD).

Competitors: How Does the New Murano Compare?

In the competitive midsize two-row SUV market, the 2025 Nissan Murano faces strong rivals like the Honda Passport and the Hyundai Santa Fe (which also recently underwent a bold redesign). Other competitors include the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Mazda CX-70, and Toyota Crown Signia. Let’s take a quick comparison to see where the Murano fits. A direct rival in terms of size and concept is the 2025 GMC Terrain, which also bets on a robust design and tech package.

Quick Comparison (vs. Honda Passport and Hyundai Santa Fe):

• Murano vs. Honda Passport: The 2025 Murano stands out for its more modern design, more luxurious and tech-filled interior (larger screens, Google Built-in, comfort features like massage). The Passport, with its standard V6, generally provides more nominal power and superior towing capacity, along with a historically stronger resale value.
• Murano vs. Hyundai Santa Fe (New Generation): The new Santa Fe is a very strong competitor, with a boxier, more utilitarian design (contrasting with the Murano’s elegance) and a highly tech-savvy interior. Santa Fe’s big advantage is its hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, which the 2025 Murano lacks. Santa Fe also offers an optional (small) third row, increasing versatility for larger families.

Is the New 2025 Murano Worth the Wait? (Final Opinion)

The 2025 Nissan Murano is undoubtedly a huge leap over the previous generation. The redesign brought a truly attractive and sophisticated look. The interior shines with cutting-edge technology, upscale finish that feels above its segment, and a remarkable focus on occupant comfort—especially with the enhanced Zero Gravity seats and features like massage and noise cancellation.

The shift to the VC-Turbo engine and 9-speed transmission is an interesting bet, seeking balance. The torque gain is a positive, but the slight loss in peak power and fuel economy that’s not revolutionary could be points of debate. The limited towing capacity and, especially, the lack of hybrid or electric options in a rapidly electrifying market are clear competitive disadvantages.

Considering all aspects, the 2025 Murano positions itself as an excellent option for those seeking a two-row SUV with a lot of style, a luxurious and tech-packed interior, and a priority on comfort for both trips and everyday life. If you’re in North America and don’t need to tow heavy loads or insist on electrified powertrains, the new Murano is definitely a model to seriously consider.

What do you think of the new 2025 Nissan Murano? Did the redesign win you over? Does swapping the V6 for a 2.0 turbo make sense to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!